An outbreak of Andes virus, a known species of hantavirus, has been reported on a cruise ship in the South Atlantic. This outbreak has a extremely low risk of spread or impact to the general public.
As of 8 May, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a total of eight cases, including three deaths.
As of May 9, CDC has notified CDPH of three California residents who were passengers on the MV Hondius. One passenger has returned to California, and two are being repatriated to a facility in Nebraska for evaluation before returning to California.
In addition, a fourth traveler, not on the ship, but while overseas, became a close contact with a known case. This person has returned to California.
CDPH is supporting the local health departments in the two returned travelers’ counties of residence in conducting ongoing public health monitoring.
Plans for repatriation of the other passengers are still being finalized. CDC is planning to conduct health assessments prior to passengers returning to their homes. CDPH will notify local health departments with resident passengers still aboard.
Andes virus is the only species of hantavirus with known person to person transmission, and is endemic to South America. The most common hantavirus in North America, Sin Nombre Virus, does not spread person to person.
CDPH is in close contact with CDC and the WHO. This is an evolving situation, and information is current as of May 11. New or changing information will be updated as it becomes available.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH), in coordination with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), is monitoring an outbreak of illness caused by Andes virus, a known species of hantavirus, among passengers and crew of the MV Hondius cruise ship. CDPH was notified by CDC that three California residents were among the vessel’s passengers. One of the passengers had already disembarked and returned to California. CDPH is working with the local health department (LHD) where this passenger resides for monitoring. Two California residents remained aboard the vessel until they were able to disembark in Tenerife, Canary Islands and be repatriated to a medical facility in Nebraska. In addition, a fourth traveler, who was not onboard the MV Hondius, was determined to be in close contact with a case from the ship while overseas. As with the returned passenger from the MV Hondius, they are being monitored by their LHD. CDPH will notify California LHDs of any additional returned or repatriated passengers in their jurisdictions when this information becomes available. Currently, CDC and CDPH assess the risk to the general public as extremely low. To date, no Orange County residents have been identified as a contact in this outbreak.
BHS staff, and Judge Tania R. Vallejo, at the West Justice Center in Westminster celebrated the initial class of three graduates under Prop. 36 for their hard work, perseverance, and willingness to accept support through their recovery journey. Recovery is possible when we work together to support people on their path to healing. The HCA extends our warmest congratulations to all the 49 graduates since Prop. 36 began and wish them continued success in their future endeavors.
After a local mom was called to meet with her son’s elementary school principal for the fifth time due to anger outbursts, the school contacted OC Links for a mobile crisis response. The Mobile Crisis Team responding helped link the youth to outpatient mental health services. Through participation in the program, her son improved his behavior considerably.
OC’s first graduate shared, “I’ve never completed a program like this before. I’m proud of myself.” When an individual graduates from the CARE Act program, that milestone represents more than personal success – it reflects the strength of Interagency collaboration and HCA’s shared commitment to addressing behavioral health challenges in our community. Thank you to our partners at the OC Public Defender Office and Telecare.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to inform clinicians and health departments about a new cluster of hantavirus disease cases caused by infection with Andes virus. Hantavirus disease can cause severe illness and can be fatal. Clinicians should be aware of the potential for imported cases, although the risk of broad spread to the United States is considered extremely unlikely at this time. As a precaution, this health advisory summarizes CDC’s recommendations for U.S. public health departments, clinical laboratories, and healthcare workers about hantavirus disease case identification, testing, and biosafety considerations in clinical laboratories.
A case of measles has been confirmed in an infant who is an Orange County resident who recently returned from international travel. The OC Health Care Agency’s, Communicable Disease Control Division (CDCD) is reaching out to identified contacts.
(Santa Ana, CA) – The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) received confirmation of a measles case in an infant who had history of international travel. The HCA is notifying individuals who were exposed to the person in health care and other settings.
“Measles is highly contagious. Anyone planning domestic or international travel—or hosting visitors—should be fully vaccinated at least two weeks beforehand. Infants less than a year old who are traveling internationally should receive one dose of MMR vaccine before departure. Adults and others who are not immune remain at risk, especially as outbreaks continue across the country and worldwide,” said Dr. Anissa Davis, Deputy County Health Officer. “Vaccination is the best protection.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have already been 1,792 confirmed measles cases in the United States in 2026. By comparison, 2025 saw 2,267 cases, the highest annual total in more than 30 years. This is the third case of measles in Orange County in 2026.
Common symptoms include fever, cough, red watery eyes, and a rash that typically begins on the head before spreading to the rest of the body. Measles is the most contagious disease known, and it spreads very easily through the air and by direct contact with an infected person. People are contagious from approximately four days before the rash begins through four days after the rash appears.
Anyone who suspects they may have measles should call their medical provider before arriving at the medical office to avoid exposing others. Clinicians should immediately report any suspected measles cases to the OC Health Care Agency for guidance and testing coordination.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles. About measles immunization:
Immunizing household members, including children, adolescents, and adults, is the best way to protect infants who are too young to receive the MMR vaccine.
Infants should receive their first MMR vaccine at 12-15 months of age. The second dose of MMR is given between 4 and 6 years of age, before starting school.
Measles is found in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Children 6 to 12 months of age who are traveling internationally are recommended to receive a dose of the MMR vaccine prior to travel, to decrease their risk of infection. Before travel to domestic measles outbreak areas talk to a health care provider about following immunization recommendations for international travel.
Children 12 months and older, as well as adults, should receive two doses, at least 28 days apart, before travel if not already vaccinated.
